tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25479268556717250692017-02-08T23:49:55.342-05:00THE (HAPPY?) RECAPTom Greenhalghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17767330818091078174noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2547926855671725069.post-11592054625677014282010-08-04T22:28:00.003-04:002011-06-02T22:56:36.315-04:00Mets Gazette On WFAN (Link)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Joe and Evan, hosts of the mid-day show on WFAN, read my Luis Castillo article written for Mets Gazette on the air. You can check it out <b><u><a href="http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2010/08/03/mets-on-brink-of-losing-record/">here</a></u></b>. (play button is underneath "Eddie Coleman talks Mets slide...").</div>Tom Greenhalghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17767330818091078174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2547926855671725069.post-7197592468498496052010-06-25T09:16:00.008-04:002011-06-02T20:34:01.319-04:00First Place On Hold - Tigers 6, Mets 5 (Game 72)The David Wright strikeout bug came back to bite him in the untimeliest of moments last night at Big Citi. Wright struck out in a late game situation in which a fly ball would have tied the game and completed yet another big comeback. The bright side? They fell just short of completing the comeback as opposed to calling it a day when Detroit lead 6-1. <br /><br />There is a lot of fight in this team, with emphasis on the word "team." Give me two of three in any series against this caliber ballclub.Tom Greenhalghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17767330818091078174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2547926855671725069.post-62479057793000103162010-06-24T13:56:00.016-04:002011-06-02T20:38:24.667-04:00Mejia and Pagan Is Too Much For Lee<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2kp1YQnOw_Q/TCOe68OVU6I/AAAAAAAAAWo/O2Vh77VGy_E/s1600/cliff+lee+2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486403506503242658" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2kp1YQnOw_Q/TCOe68OVU6I/AAAAAAAAAWo/O2Vh77VGy_E/s320/cliff+lee+2.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: right; height: 242px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 320px;" /></a>The Mets and Twins are reportedly the frontrunners for Cliff Lee, according to Geoff Baker of the Seattle Times. The Twins have what the Mariners want most - a great catching prospect that will never see the light of day behind Mauer - but the Mets may be willing to counter that by giving up both Angel Pagan and Jenrry Mejia.<br /><br />I don't even know where to begin with why this is a bad trade.<br /><br />I guess I'll start off with the obvious. Many Mets fans are under the impression that it is a possibility that not only can the Mets make a deal for Cliff Lee, but that they can also sign him to an extension in the process.<br /><br />That's not going to happen. Lee will head into free agency because he's going to be able to get an absurdly ridiculous deal based largely on how good he is, and also largely on how big his name has become. A team like the Yankees will surely throw lots of zeros at him, and if not that, numerous other teams will create a bidding war much like we're going to see in the near future of the NBA.<br /><br />So, what if the Mets trade for him, could they feel secure about being able to re-sign him after the year?<br /><br />Short answer, no.<br /><br />There will be absolutely no security in this deal. None. Well, you may argue, but he wants to exact revenge on Philadelphia. Unfortunately that isn't the real problem - Lee didn't hate Philadelphia for any reason other than that they didn't show him the money. If loyalty were any bit of an issue, wouldn't he still be in Philadelphia? So, to sum, even if he pitches the Mets to a World Series this year (far from a guarantee contrary to popular belief) why in the world would he take less money to re-sign?<br /><br />Well, he won't. Remember when Mike Hampton left after 2000?<br /><br />Now, as for who the Mets are thinking about dealing here: Angel Pagan and Jenrry Mejia. That is waaaaaaaaay too much for a guy who is going to walk after the season. I don't care if Beltran is coming back or not, Pagan has been the heart and soul of this team, and arguably its best player all year. He has the necessary tools to be really good for a long time. Then there's Mejia. He likely won't be the next Doc Gooden, but you can't deny he has a bright future.<br /><br />It's just too much for a rental.<br /><br />And to top it off, Cliff Lee will be 32 next year. So, even if the Mets miraculously find a way and the gods shine down on us, why would you expect what Cliff Lee did between 28 and 31 when he is approaching his mid to late 30's?<br /><br />Anyone? Anyone?<br /><br />Pass.Tom Greenhalghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17767330818091078174noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2547926855671725069.post-51698582238892374972010-06-24T10:57:00.015-04:002011-06-02T20:41:03.067-04:00Seinfeld, Stewart, Rock and James Should Team Up<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2kp1YQnOw_Q/TCN3yRvSfCI/AAAAAAAAAWY/_wVZoaDN-nM/s1600/jon+stewart.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486360476706307106" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2kp1YQnOw_Q/TCN3yRvSfCI/AAAAAAAAAWY/_wVZoaDN-nM/s320/jon+stewart.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: right; height: 273px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 217px;" /></a>By this point I'm sure you've read all about Jerry Seinfeld's takeover of the SNY broadcast booth last night. So, I'll spare you my take. It did get me thinking though, who are the funniest Mets fans out there? And if I were to create a supergroup to replace Gary, Ron, Keith and Kevin for a game, who would I choose?<br /><div></div><br /><div>Well, there are many choices within the comedy, film, television, and stand up departments. So, here is a list of possible candidates:</div><br /><div>-Jon Stewart (The Daily Show) </div><div><br /></div><div>-Jerry Seinfeld (Seinfeld)</div><br /><div>-Ray Romano (Everybody Loves Raymond)</div><br /><div>-Jim Breuer (Half Baked, SNL)</div><br /><div>-Ben Stiller (Meet The Parents, Zoolander, many more)</div><br /><div>-Matthew Broderick (Ferris Bueller's Day Off)</div><br /><div>-Kevin James (The King Of Queens)</div><br /><div>-Chris Rock (SNL, Dr. Dolittle)</div><br /><div>There are more, but I don't have all day and I'm sure neither do you. So, let's play make believe for a bit. Of these 8, who would you pick to replace Cohen, Darling, Hernandez, and Burkhardt respectively?</div><br /><div>Here's how I would do it. First, I have to pick my favorite four, and I choose Stewart, James, Rock, and Seinfeld. Jon Stewart is hands down one of the funniest and wittiest personalities on TV. I pick Kevin James for his role in the King of Queens and Seinfeld because last night he proved to me that not only is he a clever and funny individual, but he is also very in tune with Mets baseball. Finally, I'll take Chris Rock for the fourth spot for his sheer absurdity and his crazy high pitched squeal of a voice that is funny often enough.</div><br /><div>Now, to assemble their roles:</div><br /><div>-Jerry Seinfeld in for Cohen to do the play by play.</div><div></div><div></div><div>-Stewart in for Darling because he is the most analytical and insightful of the bunch. </div><div></div><div></div><div>-James in for Hernandez because they are comparably ridiculous. </div><div></div><div></div><div>-Chris Rock in for Burkhardt because he would conduct a funny interview and I wouldn't have to hear his voice constantly.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>What do you guys think?</div>Tom Greenhalghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17767330818091078174noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2547926855671725069.post-53594207868656575682010-06-24T09:01:00.008-04:002011-06-02T20:42:44.529-04:00Tricky Dickey Amazin' Again - Mets 5, Tigers 0 (Game 71)<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2kp1YQnOw_Q/TCNeDPKui-I/AAAAAAAAAWQ/VFS6mHjk5B0/s1600/i.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486332180771539938" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2kp1YQnOw_Q/TCNeDPKui-I/AAAAAAAAAWQ/VFS6mHjk5B0/s320/i.jpeg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 214px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 320px;" /></a><br /><div>I'm running low on superlatives and I'm truly devoid of an explanation as to why exactly R.A. Dickey never loses a baseball game. &nbsp;With 8 shutout innings last night, he became the first Met to go 6-0 in his first 7 starts since...ever. &nbsp;And now, next to his name reads a pretty 6-0 with a 2.33 ERA.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>Can anyone explain this? I'm serious, because I don't know what to say. I started writing this blog in part because I thought I was a person who kind of had a grip on the game of baseball and the Mets, but this is just something I can not explain.</div><br /><div>But that's baseball for ya. &nbsp;We love a game that defies reason and expectation, a game where nobodies become somebodies and somebodies become nobodies. &nbsp;A game where, in reality, anomalies and unpredictability are really the only sure thing. &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>-Tom Greenhalgh (6/24/10)</div><div></div>Tom Greenhalghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17767330818091078174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2547926855671725069.post-84688681599240375702010-06-23T09:03:00.016-04:002010-06-24T10:57:22.924-04:00Your Ad Here<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2kp1YQnOw_Q/TCIMM-xSfrI/AAAAAAAAAWI/ERt1mMWoJFY/s1600/citifield_stadiumsignage.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485960713238380210" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2kp1YQnOw_Q/TCIMM-xSfrI/AAAAAAAAAWI/ERt1mMWoJFY/s320/citifield_stadiumsignage.jpg" /></a>Between the left and right field foul poles at newly re-named "Yellow Book Park" a glaring 47 advertisements are aggregately littered from left to right. This is not an exact figure, but instead my best guess. It was a difficult task due to both the exhaustion and dizzyness that stupified my senses. I tried, I really did, but trying to figure out the most logical way to sort through the levels of advertisements, along with trying not to get sidetracked by their various appeals was a total mind f***. It's really a wonderful aesthetic though, so long as you like or have interest in Modells, Wise snacks, Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, another kind of pepsi I can't remember, IZod, Chevrolet, Budweiser, Dunkin Donuts, Geico, Nikon, or even if you just want to re-decorate your home with Bob's furniture.<br /><br />*deep breath*<br /><br />I guess the reason I bring this up is because I took my mom on a mother/son date to the park last night. It was her first time to Big Citi and she thought for the most part it is a tremendous upgrade from Shea. The architecture, it's ode to the past, unique angles and undeniable charm are all grade A.<br /><br />But, what I truly enjoyed the most was the fact that instead of having to give vague descriptions of the location of certain landmarks, now all I had to do was tell her which sign to look for. For instance, I was explaining to her about Ike Davis' gorgeous power stroke to right field. I mentioned that he has hit home runs clearing the Modells, Wise Snacks, Pepsi, Dunkin Donuts, and Subway signs already this year. Even more enjoyable than that was the little Carvel ice cream logo on the mammouth centerfield scoreboard underneath the batter profile and at-bat summary. We also got a kick out of 1-800 Flowers sponsoring the kiss cam. I'm also pretty sure the grounds crew was sponsored by AAMCO, but I can't verify that for you.<br /><br />In right field, the second deck hangs directly over the first, an ode presumably to the old Tigers stadium. The foul pole touches up against the second deck in its direct vertical stack. This would be a very charming touch if not for the three different pepsi ads, and the giant Subway and Verizon ads below it. In other words, if they had just left the decks as they were (black), or at the least not put a urine yellow (water deprived yellow hue) Subway sign hanging over a black fence with an orange line, perhaps it would stand out less than Lady Gaga's inner thighs.<br /><br />Soon enough, the Shea Bridge will be re-named after Vibe, home runs after auto loans, and the infield dirt by Wendy's. A picture of Wendy herself will surely be carved into the outfield grass, much like the New York City skyline was at times in centerfield at Big Shea.<br /><br />But it's ok though. Even though the Mets have successfully turned their new ballpark into the Yellow Pages, it's still a gem. It's just unfortunate that the Mets had to take resort to these measures. But that's what happens when you get Madoff'd, Freddy.<br /><br /><br />-Tom Greenhalgh (6/23/10)Tom Greenhalghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17767330818091078174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2547926855671725069.post-59736555152591581702010-06-22T08:57:00.003-04:002011-06-02T20:43:04.294-04:00Borat Approved<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2kp1YQnOw_Q/TCC0BDbZktI/AAAAAAAAAVw/P10R8wgmQlI/s1600/borat+approved.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485582276330361554" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2kp1YQnOw_Q/TCC0BDbZktI/AAAAAAAAAVw/P10R8wgmQlI/s400/borat+approved.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 400px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 238px;" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2kp1YQnOw_Q/TCCzfX-IZgI/AAAAAAAAAVo/_efiHatErhY/s1600/borat+approved.jpg"></a></div><br /><div></div>Tom Greenhalghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17767330818091078174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2547926855671725069.post-25179582443654216272010-06-21T10:34:00.021-04:002011-06-02T20:43:14.631-04:00Monday Musings<div>I hate off days. I really do. And to make things worse? It's the third Monday in a row the Mets have been off. If you've ever seen "Office Space" you would understand that I "have a case of the Mondays." If you haven't seen the movie, it's an absolute must. I strongly urge you see it if you think that a) work sucks b) Monday sucks c) Jennifer Aniston is cute d) both A &amp; B e) All of the above. Classic.</div><div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, I digress. Off days provide ample opportunity to tell you about all sorts of miscellaneous tidbits you could probably care less about.</div><br /><div>But, as always, here goes anyway...</div><br /><div><em>Something I find interesting and/or surprising:</em></div><div><br /></div><div>Ok, in my research (which is far from extensive or difficult) I was mildly surprised to find Roy Halladay's name in the top 10 of the National League for most losses (6). The Phillies are also only 8-7 as a team when he pitches. My conclusion?</div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2kp1YQnOw_Q/TB9910DMSXI/AAAAAAAAAVY/cb2u40L2stc/s1600/halladayphail.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485241234619124082" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2kp1YQnOw_Q/TB9910DMSXI/AAAAAAAAAVY/cb2u40L2stc/s320/halladayphail.jpg" style="display: block; height: 320px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 235px;" /></a><em>Where do we stand?</em><br /><div><br />39-30, 2.5 games behind first place Atlanta, 1/2 game ahead of San Francisco for the wild card lead.</div><br /><div><em>Something mildly funny, yet tragically sad: Big Bird is at it again...</em></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Cdiv"></a></span></div></div><div><br /></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2kp1YQnOw_Q/TB-CpkW5SPI/AAAAAAAAAVg/bPejbwYGui8/s1600/ny_g_gagatsin_400.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485246521806506226" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2kp1YQnOw_Q/TB-CpkW5SPI/AAAAAAAAAVg/bPejbwYGui8/s400/ny_g_gagatsin_400.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 267px;" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>(Photograph courtesy of Getty Images)</span></span><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Something 3 months overdue: &nbsp;</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Jenrry Mejia has been sent down to AA Binghamton to presumably lengthen himself out and fine tune his secondary pitches in hopes of becoming a starter for the big club.<br /><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">My wishes for your Monday:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><div>I hope you make it happily through the day.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>-Tom Greenhalgh (6/21/10)</div><a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Cdiv"></a><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Cdiv"><div></div><br /><div></div></a></div>Tom Greenhalghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17767330818091078174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2547926855671725069.post-49484685454483054182010-06-20T15:32:00.022-04:002011-06-02T20:43:26.654-04:00Just Not Right<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2kp1YQnOw_Q/TB6PXZwkEhI/AAAAAAAAAT0/vdtf2ekeOrw/s1600/johanwalksoff.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484979028398182930" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2kp1YQnOw_Q/TB6PXZwkEhI/AAAAAAAAAT0/vdtf2ekeOrw/s320/johanwalksoff.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 233px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 320px;" /></a><br /><div>I can't lie to myself anymore. I don't feel confident when Johan Santana takes the mound. I don't expect greatness. I don't expect to win. I just hope for it.</div><div><br /></div><div>All year long, Mets fans like myself have insisted that this is still <i>the guy </i>and that the real problem was the Mets lack of run support for him. To a degree, that's true. The Mets don't exactly light it up at the plate when he pitches. But there is a much larger problem than that. </div><div><br /></div><div>He's just not great anymore. </div><div><br /></div><div>Santana has made a career out of two great pitches. He would utilize his pinpoint fastball to set up his devastating change up. This deadly combination lead to two Cy Young Awards and five consecutive 200+ strikeout seasons. </div><div><br /></div><div>But now, Santana's fastball has lost velocity. Therefore when he throws his change up, the differential in speed is smaller. The result? Unless he has pinpoint control, swings and misses are far and few between. Couple that with the fact that he hasn't been compensating for his lack of "stuff" with great control, and you get statistics like this:</div><div><br /></div><div>In his last four starts, Johan Santana has struck out a grand total of ten batters. </div><div><br /></div><div>Ten. </div><div><br /></div><div>But it's not just the last four outings. He hasn't struck out more than six batters in a single game since April 17th. He hasn't struck out ten in a game once this year, and in 96 innings pitched, he has a grand total of just 62 strikeouts - far below his career strikeout per inning pace. </div><div><br /></div><div>So, when you eliminate the swing and miss factor and the location is spotty, innings such as the 3rd inning today seem to happen. Dominance is a thing of the past. Instead are laborous innings and absurdly high pitch counts that prevent Santana from finishing his own game. </div><div><br /></div><div>This would all be less alarming if the Mets were actually winning games he pitched. But, New York is just 7-8 as a team when Johan takes the mound. Not only is that a sub .500 winning percentage as a team, it's dead last out of the five starters the Mets are currently throwing out there. </div><div><br /></div><div>In his press conference today, Jerry Manuel labeled Johan Santana as a "second half pitcher." While I'd love to believe that he'll magically return to form, this isn't 2006 and he's not wearing "Minnesota" across his chest. </div><div><br /></div><div>As for Jerry, I'm glad you're not worried, but the fact alone that you labeled a swing and miss pitcher like Santana a "fly ball pitcher" justifies my concern. It marks a change that we're seeing before us. It means that Johan Santana is going to have to re-invent himself, much like Pedro Martinez when he was no longer a power pitcher. </div><div><br /></div><div>Time to get crafty, Johan. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>-Tom Greenhalgh (6/20/10)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Tom Greenhalghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17767330818091078174noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2547926855671725069.post-22360544948851474652010-06-19T18:56:00.020-04:002011-06-02T20:48:53.947-04:00Philly Phanatic Caught Red Handed<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2kp1YQnOw_Q/TB6T8W7olaI/AAAAAAAAAT8/lCvfSfasUu8/s1600/phanatic+bush+dumb.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484984061340980642" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2kp1YQnOw_Q/TB6T8W7olaI/AAAAAAAAAT8/lCvfSfasUu8/s320/phanatic+bush+dumb.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 320px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 275px;" /></a><br /><div>After speaking with sources who have chosen to remain anonymous, it has been confirmed that the Philly Phanatic is the ringleader of a local Philadelphia organization in which fans utilize multiple e-mail addresses to vote their favorite undeserving Phillies to the 2010 All-Star game.</div><div><br /></div><div>"The goal, originally, was to make sure David Wright was not voted in at third base" revealed the Phanatic when pressed by authorities. </div><div><br /></div><div>"We can't let anything New York outshine us."</div><div><br /></div><div>In an attempt to continue the brief glory years of the historically dismal, losingest franchise in baseball history, the Phanatic organized his troops with one motto in mind: <i>Phuck the Mutts.</i></div><div><br /></div><div>The Phanatic has been accused and charged with ballot stuffing, operating under a false identity, and making a mockery of the MLB All-Star game.</div><div><br /></div><div>This, however, is not the first ballot stuffing ring the Phanatic has been suspected of masterminding. It is rumored that back in 2000, the Phanatic was in Florida on the night of the presidential election. </div><div><br /></div><div>This, however, could not be confirmed. </div><div><br /></div><div>Phanatic's cousin, Shrek, refused comment.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>-Tom Greenhalgh (6/19/10)</div><div><br /></div>Tom Greenhalghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17767330818091078174noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2547926855671725069.post-1912901152845481292010-06-19T18:35:00.010-04:002011-06-02T20:51:24.084-04:00Rounds 1 & 2 - A Split Decision<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2kp1YQnOw_Q/TB1GoQmRbtI/AAAAAAAAATU/hNLdCeV0Uhg/s1600/i.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="text-decoration: none;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484617578671337170" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2kp1YQnOw_Q/TB1GoQmRbtI/AAAAAAAAATU/hNLdCeV0Uhg/s200/i.jpeg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 142px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 200px;" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2kp1YQnOw_Q/TB1Ghv9Yo3I/AAAAAAAAATM/8dVLmNbBKPQ/s1600/i-1.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484617466830693234" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2kp1YQnOw_Q/TB1Ghv9Yo3I/AAAAAAAAATM/8dVLmNbBKPQ/s200/i-1.jpeg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 148px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 200px;" /></a><br /><div>METS 4, YANKEES 0</div><div><br /></div><div>(FRIDAY)</div><div><br /></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">photographs courtesy of getty images</span></i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>What to make of it? Hisanori Takahashi should be labeled a "Yankee killer" after going six shut out innings against the Bombers in each of his two starts against them. </div><div><br /></div><div>Angel Pagan put the game away with a clutch two run double. Pedro Feliciano pitched two brilliant innings. K-Rod took 5 more years off of all of our lives before ending it. </div><div><br /></div><div>---</div><div><br /></div><div>YANKEES 5, METS 3</div><div><br /></div><div>What to make of it? Pelfrey was far from his "A game" and it was over as soon as Jason Bay hit a potential rally killing double play to end the sixth inning.</div><div><br /></div><div>---</div><div><br /></div><div>Still to come? Johan vs. C.C. in the rubber match..</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>-TG (6/19/10)</div><div><br /></div>Tom Greenhalghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17767330818091078174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2547926855671725069.post-774959321677776212010-06-18T09:05:00.020-04:002011-06-02T20:51:39.555-04:00New York, New York<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2kp1YQnOw_Q/TBvO36DKKEI/AAAAAAAAATE/fPbKUq5fBw4/s1600/subway_series.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484204431124342850" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2kp1YQnOw_Q/TBvO36DKKEI/AAAAAAAAATE/fPbKUq5fBw4/s320/subway_series.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: right; height: 320px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 261px;" /></a>One of my favorite things to do is to ask people to recall their favorite Subway Series moment. For Yankees fans, in my experience, it's almost unanimously the 2000 World Series - and how could it not be? But I'm fascinated by the responses from Mets fans. For some it was Mlicki magic, others Dae Sung Koo scoring from second on a sacrifice bunt after doubling off of Randy Johnson. Some say Mike Hampton taking Clemens yard while others mention Roger Cedeno's steal of home...remember that?<br /><br />Before I get to mine, and hopefully yours (I would love for anyone to comment on their favorite subway series moment below) here is why to me, the Subway Series is as good as it gets.<br /><br />To a Mets fan, it is the epitome of good versus evil. On one side there is the ever expanding dynasty - the franchise that has achieved unparallel success, yet gives off the vibe that they are eternally mired in dissatisfaction. You can't go to a ballpark or city in America without seeing that dark blue cap with the white interlocking "NY" that long ago became iconic and a symbol of power - a statement saying "notice me." The fan base makes sure that you do in fact notice them, almost to the point where (to a Mets fan like me) vibes of insecurity and a constant yearning for attention resonate.<br /><br />Even so, the Yankees are a brand. But, they're also an enemy - similar to that of the Dallas Cowboys, Notre Dame football and the likes. In a way they fill the essential role that any successful sport or unfolding story needs - the villain. What would college basketball be without Coach K and Duke? The NBA without Kobe? Because of this, they go nowhere without garnering envy, ridicule and abuse.<br /><br />But they are always noticed.<br /><br />Then there's the Mets - the team that the Yankees fans seemingly live to antagonize. The Mets are the undisputed underdog in their own city despite their massive and loyal fan base. But in my eyes, as a die-hard Mets fan, the Mets have something that the Yankees don't have, and never will.<br /><br />Charm.<br /><br />It's a franchise that has seen the highest of highs, the lowest of lows and a whole lot in between. But the top of the top becomes all the more sweet. Whereas the Yankees conduct themselves like a business seeking a monopoly, the Mets often fluctuate between identities, both good and bad. But there is never a dull moment. And to counter a thought I have noticed from those outside of New York - there is no feeling of inferiority or being second rate. "We could care less how many rings you got" said a good friend of mine. I can only speak for myself at the end of the day, but I would never want to trade in the orange and blue for the pinstripes.<br /><br />So.....<br /><br />Then they collide. Good and evil, American and National, Queens and Bronx, and even at times, David and Goliath crash into each other at full speed for three unparallel days.<br /><br />I began this story saying that I love hearing what other people's favorite Subway Series moment was. So, let me tell you mine.<br /><br />The day/night two stadium double header in 2008 in which the Mets said "au revoir" and "adios" to the old Stadium will never be matched for me. I went to both games. In the first game, Carlos Delgado hit a grand slam and drove in 9 runs as the Mets pounded the Yankees 15-6. That was the last time I ever stepped foot in the Old Yankee Stadium.<br /><br />Then there was the night cap at Shea. It went exactly as planned - just for the wrong team. The Yankees again made Pedro their son, and Pedro made the Yankees his daddy. That was the last time I ever stepped foot in Shea.<br /><br />The magnitude of those games, and the uniqueness of a two stadium doubleheader - and the fact that I saw them in person as my last experience at the two respective stadiums still resonates with me today. Ironically, and perhaps quite fittingly, the road team demolished the home team in each game, leaving sour tastes and bitter feelings criss crossed and confused.<br /><br />Then there is tonight. This one is destined to be great. The Mets painted the city orange and blue almost a month ago despite fluttering at the time. But now? Now the Mets are rolling almost to the tune of top dog in the NL. The Yankees are tied for the best record in baseball. The real fascinating tidbit, however, is the fact that the same pitching matchups will be taking place on the same exact days once again. Just this time there will be a different backdrop.<br /><br />It's gonna be fun.<br /><br /><br />-Tom Greenhalgh (6/18/10)<br /><br />---<br /><br />Comment below and tell us about your favorite Subway Series moment. And if you're going to the game tonight or any time this weekend, enjoy!Tom Greenhalghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17767330818091078174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2547926855671725069.post-22773338485463460262010-06-17T21:58:00.006-04:002011-06-02T20:52:14.351-04:00Mr. Met Knows What's Up<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2kp1YQnOw_Q/TB6tUNk7XJI/AAAAAAAAAUo/gum4NFiwD7s/s1600/mrmetbroomjpg.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485011958937377938" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2kp1YQnOw_Q/TB6tUNk7XJI/AAAAAAAAAUo/gum4NFiwD7s/s400/mrmetbroomjpg.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 332px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 250px;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>(6/17/10)Tom Greenhalghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17767330818091078174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2547926855671725069.post-16916533042588296702010-06-17T10:07:00.027-04:002011-06-02T20:52:32.637-04:00Don't Budge, Omar<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2kp1YQnOw_Q/TB6wFcHATsI/AAAAAAAAAUw/HYY7Ig5PN6w/s1600/cliff+lee.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485015003675250370" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2kp1YQnOw_Q/TB6wFcHATsI/AAAAAAAAAUw/HYY7Ig5PN6w/s320/cliff+lee.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 242px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 320px;" /></a><br /><div>I have rarely been one to praise Omar Minaya in recent times, but let's be honest, who has? Yet right now at this very moment, I believe he deserves the utmost credit - not for something he did, but instead for something he didn't do. According to <a href="http://www.metszilla.com/?p=1330"><em><strong>the latest story on Metszilla</strong></em></a> the Mets are oh so close to landing prize ace Cliff Lee. So, what in the world is the problem? The problem is that it would come at the cost of Jon Niese. </div><div><br />And so far, Omar Minaya has refused to budge.<br /><br />All year long, Minaya has been the easy target for ridicule, criticism and mockery from the likes of myself, the media, and most of the Mets faithful. The hot seat was burning, then it was burning hotter, and then...well...it was scorching. I still don't believe he assembled this team correctly. His belief in guys such as John Maine and Oliver Perez backfired. John Lackey was out there, as were others. By now you know that whole story...<br /><br />That said, credit Minaya for finding (or getting lucky on, depending on your stance towards him) the likes of R.A. Dickey and Hisanori Takahashi. Also credit him for (though much belated) now pursuing a front line starter to give New York a real shot at not only the division, but much more.<br /><br />Regardless of criticisms, what has supposedly transpired with regards to Cliff Lee and Jonathon Niese have at the least given me a temporary respect for Omar Minaya (after all, things can change in a heartbeat). For a guy whose job has been on the line since day one - in the media capital of the world where waiting to win is simply not an option - he has chosen to forego a possible immediate fix with the future of this wonderful franchise in mind.<br /><br />And you know what? It may end up costing him his job.<br /><br />If the Mets go through the trade deadline this year and don't make a move for a guy like Lee, and then proceed to fall short of the post season, Omar will likely become a footnote. <br /><br />That said, Minaya is not saying "no" to Cliff Lee. Passing on Lee at the asking price of Jonathon Niese and another top prospect doesn't automatically make Cliff vanish from the Mets radar. Far from. In fact, I believe that the Mets should wait it out with Seattle and see what happens. It is entirely possible that as we move closer to the trade deadline, Cliff Lee will come at a lesser cost. It sounds illogical at first, but considering that Seattle knows they have no shot whatsoever at re-signing him this offseason, they will eventually have to take an offer from someone. Under that pressure, perhaps stubborness will subside and something will happen.<br /><br />Now, let's backtrack to my original point and stance: Omar did the right thing here. Do I want to pass up Lee? Absolutely not. But, Jonathon Niese is a 23 year old lefty with an enormous upside. Cliff Lee, if he were to come to New York, would have a couple of months to try and win a World Series with the Mets, and then New York would have to then join a bidding war - one they would likely lose to the other team in town.<br /><br />So, let's fix that with a sign and trade, shall we? Well, though the thought is ideal, it just ain't happenin. Cliff Lee wants to test the free agent market, and that's exactly what he will do. So, for a guy who isn't guaranteed to stay beyond 2010, why would it be worth giving up a blossoming young talent such as Niese for a guy you will probably lose after the season anyway? Even in a perfect world, where the Mets do find a way to sign Lee beyond this year, who's to say that he will be the pitcher he was as he progresses into his mid and late 30's?<br /><br />Howard Megdal of <a href="http://nybaseballdigest.com/?p=26009"><em><strong>NY Baseball Digest</strong></em></a> sums this stance up best:<br /><br /><blockquote>"<em>In essence, they’d be dealing Niese’s 24-28 seasons away for Lee’s 32-38 seasons, along with a huge difference in salary.</em>"</blockquote><br /><br />In my mind, that's very difficult to argue.<br /><br />But, I do, very clearly see the other side to this equation. Hypothetically, with Cliff Lee on board, the Mets would be a dangerous team. A three headed monster consisting of Johan Santana, Mike Pelfrey, and Cliff Lee would likely make the Mets not only favorites to win the east, but the entire National League as well. It is well known that any team in the playoffs that has three aces is in real good shape to win.<br /><br />But at what cost?<br /><br />Try to get Lee. Try to get Haren. Try to get Oswalt. Get somebody, but get them for a lesser price than this.<br /><br />For now, kudos to Omar for what was a very wise non-move.<br /><br /><br />-Tom Greenhalgh (6/17/10)<br /><blockquote></blockquote></div>Tom Greenhalghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17767330818091078174noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2547926855671725069.post-79311604012139668062010-06-16T21:26:00.009-04:002011-06-02T20:56:29.831-04:00Niese! I Like! Mets Win 8-4<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2kp1YQnOw_Q/TBmB7ob8L2I/AAAAAAAAASs/OotbbTeJit0/s1600/borat.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483556882767163234" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2kp1YQnOw_Q/TBmB7ob8L2I/AAAAAAAAASs/OotbbTeJit0/s400/borat.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 400px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 238px;" /></a>Quick Notes:<br /><br />- Jon Niese pitched 7 solid innings. He has pitched at least 7 innings in every start since returning from the DL. <br /><br />- David Wright knocks in 2 more, Pagan 3, including the big blow to put the game out of reach.<br /><br />- Jason Bay left the game early. Hopefully this is nothing serious. It did not appear to be. He is listed as day to day.<br /><br />- LeBron James still likes wearing his Yankees hat. IS IT A SIGN? <br /><br />- Time to catch up on some much needed sleep! As always, more tomorrow...<br /><br /><br />- TG (6/16/10)Tom Greenhalghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17767330818091078174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2547926855671725069.post-83440900187242152042010-06-16T14:23:00.007-04:002011-06-02T20:56:46.374-04:00What About Peavy?<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2kp1YQnOw_Q/TB67Rd8pKTI/AAAAAAAAAU4/ClifaZWUgNo/s1600/peavy.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485027304954997042" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2kp1YQnOw_Q/TB67Rd8pKTI/AAAAAAAAAU4/ClifaZWUgNo/s320/peavy.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 320px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 244px;" /></a><br /><div>Check out <a href="http://nyfaninsjersey.blogspot.com/2010/06/great-chicago-fire-sale-can-benefit.html"><em><strong>this piece</strong></em></a> written by Frank Gray, author of "New York Fan In South Jersey." </div><div><br /><br /><br />- (6/16/10)</div>Tom Greenhalghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17767330818091078174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2547926855671725069.post-247658162411930592010-06-16T10:40:00.007-04:002011-06-02T20:57:01.070-04:00Nobody Does It Better<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2kp1YQnOw_Q/TBjjbM8wLfI/AAAAAAAAASM/b3iOIgfBumo/s1600/dw5.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483382602795593202" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2kp1YQnOw_Q/TBjjbM8wLfI/AAAAAAAAASM/b3iOIgfBumo/s320/dw5.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 200px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 320px;" /></a>Drive in runs, that is. David Wright now sits atop the National League in what is, in my opinion, the most telling stat for a middle of the order guy. <br /><br />Would you be satisfied with these projected numbers?<br /><br />.293 AVG<br />31 HR<br />128 RBI<br />41 Doubles<br />28 Steals<br />92 Walks<br />.384 OBP<br />.912 OPS<br /><br />(For happiness' sake, let's assume Wright cuts down on his 194 strikeout pace)<br /><br /><br />...is it safe to say he's back?<br /><br /><br />-TG (6/16/10)Tom Greenhalghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17767330818091078174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2547926855671725069.post-57759829633666524292010-06-15T22:18:00.007-04:002011-06-02T20:57:26.044-04:00Mets 7, Indians 6 (Game 64)<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2kp1YQnOw_Q/TBg2lq7-MqI/AAAAAAAAASE/vO_DxKZD4ao/s1600/i.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483192567132467874" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2kp1YQnOw_Q/TBg2lq7-MqI/AAAAAAAAASE/vO_DxKZD4ao/s320/i.jpeg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 218px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 320px;" /></a>Quick Notes:<br /><br />***Your National League RBI leader? Yeah, you guessed it. #5 is back. And does it feel good or what?<br /><br />*** Johan gets run support. <span style="font-style: italic;">But</span> it wasn't entirely the offense's doing. Credit comically bad defense on Cleveland's part. For instance, here was your 5th inning sequence of events:<br /><br />- base hit<br />- bunt, no one covers first<br />- bunt, 2nd baseman covers first late, catcher scrambles and throws the ball down the right field line<br />- infield single scores two runs as first baseman looks confused and oblivious to his surroundings<br />- 2-run home run caps it off, and the Mets roll from there<br /><br />...yeah, that's pretty much Cleveland Indians baseball in a nutshell. It's "Major League" all over again. Do I reference that movie too much? I think yes.<br /><br />***K-Rod is unbearably frustrating.<br /><br />***The Mets pull within 1/2 game of first place Atlanta.<br /><br /><br />-TG (6/15/10)Tom Greenhalghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17767330818091078174noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2547926855671725069.post-54531405665949360692010-06-15T11:25:00.003-04:002011-06-02T20:58:37.288-04:00The Mets Should Pursue Dan Haren<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2kp1YQnOw_Q/TBeH5wMn-II/AAAAAAAAAR8/JUylWWaMjpc/s1600/Dan_Haren.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483000497607014530" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2kp1YQnOw_Q/TBeH5wMn-II/AAAAAAAAAR8/JUylWWaMjpc/s320/Dan_Haren.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 190px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 320px;" /></a>Let's suppose that you fall under the category of a Mets fan that is less than ecstatic about the prospect of Roy Oswalt sporting the orange and blue. Perhaps you're wary about the price tag (who isn't?) or the health issues. Maybe it concerns you what Houston would likely ask for in return.<br /><br />Let's take this one step further and also suppose that you're not elated about the idea of Cliff Lee sandwiched between Johan and Mike in the rotation. Perhaps you feel that the Mets would have to give up far too much for a player that would most certainly be a rental. <br /><br />That's all fair. <br /><br />But, if all of that is the case (and certainly even if it's far from how you feel) you may be intrigued by the idea of one other less talked about ace that will be on the market this summer: Dan Haren.<br /><br />First and foremost, Haren is signed through the 2012 season with a club option for 2013. Security? Check.<br /><br />Haren leads the NL in strikeouts. He has 7 wins (and this has been a sub par year). Prior to this season, Haren had 3 consective seasons (07-09) where he pitched to the tune of no less than 14 wins and no higher than a 3.33 ERA. Even prior to that, in 2005 and 2006, he won 14 games each year with no higher than a 4.12 ERA while pitching in the American League. Couple that with 3 consecutive All-Star selections. <br /><br />And he's only 29 years old. <br /><br />This will be far from cheap. But let's be realistic. Any of these three guys would cost the Mets blue chip prospects. So, if trading for a 29 year old stud who is locked in for a few years would be considered "mortgaging the future" then what exactly would renting Lee at the cost of Mejia and F-Mart be considered? Steve Phillips-esque?<br /><br />Point is, if it costs Martinez and Mejia, you pull the trigger. <br /><br />The Arizona firesale is coming. Haren is waiting.<br /><br /><br />-Tom Greenhalgh (6/15/10)Tom Greenhalghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17767330818091078174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2547926855671725069.post-36788577548390611482010-06-14T09:55:00.019-04:002011-06-02T20:58:53.109-04:00So, Now You Want In?<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2kp1YQnOw_Q/TBY5vuQOyoI/AAAAAAAAARs/865zCmPtwnE/s1600/oswalt+1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482633088402901634" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2kp1YQnOw_Q/TBY5vuQOyoI/AAAAAAAAARs/865zCmPtwnE/s320/oswalt+1.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 174px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 320px;" /></a>Here is a juicy rumor to invigorate your likely boring and dreadful Monday. According to people who are supposedly in the know, Roy Oswalt <em>now</em> would be delighted to join the New York Mets. <br /><br />This, for those of you who don't remember, is the same guy who previously had mild interest at best because he a) wanted to pitch for a winner and b) wasn't a "New York kind of guy." <br /><br />In simpler terms, he didn't want to pitch here because "you guys suck."<br /><br />Well, it's funny how a few drinks can make me look attractive, and it's also funny how winning 8 of 9 to move within a game and a half of first place can change someones perception of a team - or in this case, a city. Roy Oswalt, a guy who purportedly <em>doesn't like New York</em> would suddenly be delighted to be under the bright and claustrophobic lights? <br /><br />I only kid. I know New York is not for everyone. It's nothing I will take personally, nor should you.<br /><br />BUT, that said, miraculously, <em>now</em> Oswalt has changed his mind. He is enamoured, or at least intrigued, by the "veteran fiber" of the Mets squad. This is presumably opposed to how he felt two weeks ago - appalled and scared by the Mets ineptitude. <br /><br />Feeling the conditional love yet?<br /><br />In the shocker of the day, Oswalt is said to be unhappy that he's pitching for a AAA team. Yet, contrary to cliches, beggers <em>can</em> be choosers. Because not only does Roy Oswalt have the authority to play god regarding which team he thinks is good enough for his brilliance, he will also be paid like one. <br /><br />But, as a reminder (in case your attention span is as short as mine) he will only pitch for the Mets <em>if</em> they are a contender. So, logically, the Mets can't lose 8 of their next 9 or else Roy Oswalt will once again be, well, not a "big city kind of guy." <br /><br />Don't mistake the sarcasm, though. Roy Oswalt is absolutely the real deal and I could care less whether he likes it here as long as he pitches the Mets deep into October, therefore making the ridiculous investment worthwhile. <br /><br />But here is real hinge as I see it. The Houston Astros, because of the fact that this guy has been their franchise pitcher seemingly forever, have an inflated and unrealistic view of what his trade value really is.<br /><br />Translation? <br /><br />Though you love your son dearly, and though I'm sure he is a wonderful kid, there is a very good chance that he isn't the best little leaguer, the top of his 4th grade class, and the future president of the United States all rolled up into one.<br /><br /><br />-Tom Greenhalgh (6/14/10)Tom Greenhalghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17767330818091078174noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2547926855671725069.post-73373939816599230152010-06-13T16:01:00.010-04:002011-06-02T21:00:06.671-04:00Sometimes Everything Is Easy - Mets 11, O's 4<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2kp1YQnOw_Q/TBVA5PH3z_I/AAAAAAAAARk/no4Rui_utYE/s1600/i.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482359473449717746" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2kp1YQnOw_Q/TBVA5PH3z_I/AAAAAAAAARk/no4Rui_utYE/s320/i.jpeg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 212px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 320px;" /></a>Quick notes:<br /><br />- David Wright (11,12) Jason Bay (4) and Chris Carter (2) all went deep. <br /><br />- Jason Bay went 4-4 with a walk and finished a triple shy of the cycle. He also scored 4 runs.<br /><br />- Mike Pelfrey labored, but managed to pitch 6 innings and allow just 3 runs. <br /><br />- Pelfrey improves to 9-1, second in the NL in victories behind only Cy Jiminez. <br /><br />- The Mets sweep a road series. Can you believe it?<br /><br />- Anyone hearing any Jerry Manuel rumblings?<br /><br /><br /><br />-TG (6/13/10)Tom Greenhalghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17767330818091078174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2547926855671725069.post-12149322109558223032010-06-12T22:16:00.009-04:002011-06-02T21:00:23.432-04:00Auditioning For A Spot<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2kp1YQnOw_Q/TBQ1qreQBGI/AAAAAAAAARU/-qE9dwTbuHY/s1600/eb79814a-502b-4b5c-a3f1-f4d305f0eeee.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482065653757117538" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2kp1YQnOw_Q/TBQ1qreQBGI/AAAAAAAAARU/-qE9dwTbuHY/s320/eb79814a-502b-4b5c-a3f1-f4d305f0eeee.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 320px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 238px;" /></a>Rumors have certainly been running rampant regarding the possibility of Cliff Lee or Roy Oswalt wearing a Mets uniform in the near future. While that would be outstanding for the Mets - assuming they don't give up too much - I, for one, refuse to believe that the front office has an ace or bust mentality. <br /><br />Instead, they are probably evaluating options to strengthen the middle and back end of the rotation as well. <br /><br />The Mets rotation is fairly stable as it currently stands, but there is always room for improvement. Mike Pelfrey, Jonathon Niese, and Johan Santana are fixtures. Additionally, with the recent brilliant outings by R.A. Dickey it's going to take something considerably bad to get him out as well. <br /><br />So, by that logic, that leaves one spot. At least, as it stands now. <br /><br />Right now, Hisanori Takahashi is that guy. He pitched very well tonight, going 7 innings and allowing just one run (granted it was against Baltimore's horrendous offense). He did well enough, if, in fact, he was auditioning for his job (for the short term of course). <br /><br />But, here is the fact of the matter. It is very difficult to believe that if the Mets have meaningful games to play in September that they will be parading out this exact starting five. <br /><br />So, Takahashi (or perhaps even Dickey) is temporary. <br /><br />Lee, and Oswalt of course are targets. Within the organization, the options aren't nearly as appealing (John Maine is probably the most realistic alternative). <br /><br />This begs the question, who else? Well, the Mets may just be facing "who else" on this very road trip. <br /><br />Tomorrow, Baltimore throws Kevin Millwood to the hill. A 35-year old veteran with an 0-7 record doesn't sound incredibly appealing at first, and certainly should not be the first guy Omar Minaya is looking at. That said, he is a proven winner who is simply stuck on a horrendous team that won't help him out one bit. The team is going nowhere, hence, he is going somewhere. The Orioles aren't going to hang on to a veteran pitcher with trade value when they are rebuilding (if that's even an appropriate term for them). <br /><br />If the pieces are right, and if Lee and Oswalt can't be grabbed, look for Millwood to be somewhere on Minaya's radar. <br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2kp1YQnOw_Q/TBQ8g9Fk8LI/AAAAAAAAARc/X4WSpzuNsZI/s1600/43b9647e-525f-416e-90ef-8b8dc4b227f8.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482073183268171954" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2kp1YQnOw_Q/TBQ8g9Fk8LI/AAAAAAAAARc/X4WSpzuNsZI/s320/43b9647e-525f-416e-90ef-8b8dc4b227f8.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 234px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 320px;" /></a>Then there is Jake Westbrook of Cleveland. The Mets will be facing the 32-year old righty on Thursday. He is 4-3 with a respectable ERA on a very bad Cleveland team this year. He is certainly not an ace and has the track record to prove he isn't, but much like Millwood, he could potentially be a good fit as a 4th or 5th starter. <br /><br />Once again, if the pieces are right, and if Lee and Oswalt aren't doable, look for Westbrook to be somewhere on Minaya's shopping list. <br /><br />Why? Why would the Mets settle for these two, or pitchers of equal value? For one, they are cheaper - at least in terms of what the Mets would have to give up. Why else? Because they are proven veterans that would, in fact, make the Mets a better team. <br /><br />But let me make this much clear. I want Cliff Lee. If I can't have that, I want Roy Oswalt. The Mets owe it to their fans to go for it. <br /><br />Anything else would be settling. <br /><br /><br />-Tom Greenhalgh (6/12/10)Tom Greenhalghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17767330818091078174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2547926855671725069.post-42738602218101590002010-06-12T17:10:00.006-04:002011-06-02T21:01:25.350-04:00Saturday Tid-Bits<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2kp1YQnOw_Q/TBP55ZmNDgI/AAAAAAAAARM/YSGD5vw1REk/s1600/24records190.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481999935959010818" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2kp1YQnOw_Q/TBP55ZmNDgI/AAAAAAAAARM/YSGD5vw1REk/s320/24records190.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 258px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 190px;" /></a>The Mets issued an apology to Jerry Seinfeld today for giving Miss Gaga his box seats in an unsuccessful attempt to make her less visible and annoying. The team assured Seinfeld that <a href="http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2010/06/the_new_york_mets_deeply_regre.html?f=most-commented-24h-5">the organization is taking strong measures to "decontaminate" his seats. </a> They would not comment on the unfortunate possibility that Mr. Seinfeld will catch an STD from Miss Gaga's remains.<br /><br />---<br /><br /><a href="http://thehappyrecap.blogspot.com/2010/06/carlos-beltran-update.html">Carlos Beltran is still wiping successfully and is still on track to make a return by mid 2014.</a><br /><br />---<br /><br />The Phillies haven't scored a run since May 12. <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/05/12/phillies-signstealing-con_n_573828.html">Hmmmmm...</a><br /><br />---<br /><br />The Mets look to wrap up a road series victory tonight in Baltimore. <br /><br /><br />-Tom Greenhalgh (6/12/10)Tom Greenhalghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17767330818091078174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2547926855671725069.post-52676786710141169452010-06-11T22:30:00.002-04:002011-06-02T21:01:50.262-04:00Big Dick Dominates Again: Mets 5, Orioles 1 (Game 61)<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2kp1YQnOw_Q/TBLrYqYYgbI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/tF87HmVAbQI/s1600/i.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481702505389261234" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2kp1YQnOw_Q/TBLrYqYYgbI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/tF87HmVAbQI/s320/i.jpeg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 320px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 212px;" /></a>The quick run down of what you should know:<br /><br />-The Mets win a game on the road. <a href="http://thehappyrecap.blogspot.com/2010/06/pretender.html">This is imperative.</a><br /><br />-R.A. Dickey was yet again phenomenal. <br /><br />-Chris Carter hit his first big league home run<br /><br />-The Mets must win one of the next two to finally clinch a road series.<br /><br />-The Mets move to 5 games above .500 (33-28). This is a good water mark and the beginning of a separation from mediocrity and from being labeled as a .500 club.<br /><br />-The Mets move ahead of Philadelphia for 2nd in the division<br /><br />-They move to within just 1.5 games of first place Atlanta<br /><br /><br /><br />Plenty more to come...<br /><br /><br />-TG (6/11/10)Tom Greenhalghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17767330818091078174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2547926855671725069.post-37058088726567605552010-06-11T14:33:00.004-04:002011-06-02T21:02:25.364-04:00Crazy (Woman?) Flips The Bird<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2kp1YQnOw_Q/TBMOW-jZKiI/AAAAAAAAARE/nT514FBvy_Y/s1600/big_bird_narrowweb__200x313.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481740959351384610" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2kp1YQnOw_Q/TBMOW-jZKiI/AAAAAAAAARE/nT514FBvy_Y/s320/big_bird_narrowweb__200x313.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 313px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 200px;" /></a>Now, I didn't want to resort to writing about this today, but since I'm at work and since we're playing the stupid Orioles, and since I don't feel like writing anything serious (because nobody cares what I say when I actually think)...deep breath...I will write about Lady Gaga.<br /><br />So, basically, as you probably already know, last night at the Mets game, some woman resembling Big Bird from Sesame Street got booed and she flipped the bird. As if that weren't exciting enough on its own, it was, in fact, THE Lady Gaga. <br /><br />(Take a moment to let it sink in. Be starstruck. Be in awe. Feel alive.)<br /><br />Now, firstly and obviously, we all know that Miss Gaga's name is quite the contradiction. "Lady" and "Gaga"(the sound babies make) is just flat stupid. But I guess you have to stick out - which is why she decided to wear a coat over a bikini with sunglasses to an overcast Thursday afternoon Met game. <br /><br />*Pause* <br /><br /><br />What in the f*** are you thinking?<br /><br /><br />I also learned last night (even though I still don't remotely care) that GooGoo is, in fact, a Yankees fan. That's cool, us Met fans really don't care. Here is my problem though. If she were planning to get booed by mass amounts of people, just go to a Phillies game...please...spare us. <br /><br />So...she managed to get people angry at her. I'm angry at her just looking through google image. <br /><br />Back to the story. Apparently Gaga marched her Big Bird self up and showed her affection for us by waving her middle finger at all of us Mets fans. 10 out of 10 for originality!<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2kp1YQnOw_Q/TBJ8ziib1SI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/lYW0_FY76eA/s1600/gaga+bird.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481580921349723426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2kp1YQnOw_Q/TBJ8ziib1SI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/lYW0_FY76eA/s320/gaga+bird.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 320px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 214px;" /></a>Talk about boosting public image. I mean, what, with her pristine looks, excellent wardrobe choices (ok...I can't keep a straight face). She looks like a worn out tire returning from a Skanks Anonymous meeting. <br /><br />Supposedly she is brilliant at music, but I'd much prefer inserting needles into my c**k than listen to any more predictable pop melodrama. <br /><br />*Sigh*<br /><br />I digress. Here are the three things that baffle me the most. <br /><br />1) why are you wearing a bikini to a game?<br />2) Why are you wearing it at the wrong stadium? <br />3) Why in the f*** are you wearing sunglasses? For one thing, it was overcast at best, and for another, it only makes you look stupider than you already look. Quite an accomplishment.<br /><br />Oh, and 4) WHY IS THIS A STORY?<br /><br />I'll tell you why. Here's why, folks. Some starstruck batboy who just reached the gates of puberty noticed her big poofy blonde feathers behind home plate. And he told the world. <br /><br />What to make of all of this?<br /><br />IT'S LADY GAGA'S FAULT THE METS HOME WIN STREAK IS NO MORE.<br /><br />Gaga has now surely returned to her cave (studio) wearing her sunglasses and attempting to get some indoor sunbathing done. (Don't tell her it won't work...she might get mad and flip you off...)<br /><br />I'm done with this. <br /><br /><br />-Tom Greenhalgh (6/11/10)Tom Greenhalghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17767330818091078174noreply@blogger.com0